People who live or work in will have an opportunity to get an inside look into local law enforcement when the annual Citizens Police Academy begins March 10.

Feb. 26 is the deadline to apply for the free 10-week course. Classes meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and include field trips and a ride-along with a patrol officer.

Information will be provided on the history of police work and crime in Cowlitz County. Topics will also include patrol procedure, drugs, firearms instruction, SWAT, K9 on patrol and gangs.

Participation is open to anyone 21 or older who lives or works in Cowlitz County and can pass a background check. Class size is limited to the first 50 applicants.

Application forms are available during regular business hours at any of the three sponsoring agencies: Kelso Police Department, 301 S. Pacific Ave.; Longview Police Department, 1351 Hudson St.; and Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office in the Hall of Justice, 312 S.W. First Ave., Kelso.

For more information contact Deputy Darren Ullmann, 577-3092, ullmannd@co.cowlitz.wa.us, or Officer Bebe McFall, 423-1270.